The U.S. House of Representatives' Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition and the Internet has sent a letter of inquiry, asking about the potential effects of Universal Music Group's acquisition of EMI Music# According to The New York Times, the letter was sent to UMG executives, as well as those at EMI and Warner Music Group#

The letter was signed by Robert W# Goodlatte #R-VA#, the chairman of the subcommittee, and Melvin L# Watt #D-NC# who is the ranking minority member# It asks whether the music industry "has unique characteristics that may increase or reduce concerns" about the merger, as well as questions about competition and innovation in digital music and whether piracy and "powerful buyers, like Apple" would constrain a larger UMG.

In a statement, Universal said. "We welcome the opportunity to answer any questions that the subcommittee may have. The global music market has been in decline for over a decade and it needs well invested music companies to continue to create and nurture artistic talent alongside a strong and growing independent sector if it is to thrive."

The Times notes that while the House committee has no power to block the merger, its involvement adds pressure on UMG as well as the Federal Trade Commission's review of the deal.

As previously reported, last Friday the UMG-EMI deal received approval from the Canadian Competition Bureau.